In PRVC, if the exhaled tidal volume matches the target, what happens to the inspiratory pressure on the next breath?

• A. Decreases
• B. Increases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Fluctuates

Answer: (B)

In PRVC the ventilator uses a breath-by-breath adjustment to hit a set tidal volume. It changes the inspiratory pressure only when the delivered volume deviates from the target. If the exhaled tidal volume exactly matches the target, there’s no need to alter the pressure, so the inspiratory pressure remains the same for the next breath. If the volume were too low, the pressure would be increased on the next breath; if too high, the pressure would be decreased. This keeps the delivered volume stable while adapting to changes in the patient’s airway or lung mechanics.